"Nothing serious, I trust ?" "I don't know, Sir John.

That is a matter for your consideration; but it seems to me of such importance that it ought to be brought to your knowledge." The face of the bailiff grew more grave, and, seating himself in a chair, he motioned to Gervaise to do the same.
"Now, let me hear what it is," he said.
Gervaise told his story simply.

A slight smile passed across the bailiff's face as he mentioned that he had met the Greek on the roof of the house of Signor Vrados, and had not liked the expression of his face.
"Vrados has some fair daughters, has he not ?" he asked.
"Yes, sir; but I know little of them.

That is the only visit that I ever paid there, or, indeed, to the house of any one in the town." Sir John's face grew grave again as Gervaise recounted how he had seen the man enter into communication with a slave; and he frowned heavily when he heard of his meeting afterwards with one of the prison officers.
"In truth, Sir Gervaise," he said, after a pause, "this seems to be a right serious matter, and you have done wisely in informing me of what you have seen.

Assuredly there is mischief of some sort in the wind.